Meet Heather, one of OMC's plastic surgery department patients, and hear her story.
"I truly thank the Plastic Surgery team at Olmsted for giving me back what cancer took from me – and doing it in such an endearing manner."
When Vicki discovered a lump in her right breast, she was alarmed and apprehensive. “My mother died of ovarian cancer at age 50,” explains Vicki. “In addition, my older sister had breast cancer five years prior to when I discovered mine; and my 27-year-old daughter had it only a year before,” explains Vicki. “I was due to have my yearly checkup, so I went in right away.”
Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Her physician performed a mammogram, ultrasound, and biopsy all in the same day. “The diagnosis was breast cancer and because of my family history, a double mastectomy was scheduled,” says Vicki.
Mastectomy & Breast Reconstruction
Several friends and relatives recommended that Vicki visit with Dr. Babovic to talk about plastic surgery options before her breast removal. “Dr. B. explained the breast reconstruction process in a way I understood and felt comfortable,” says Vicki. The Plastic Surgery staff takes measurements and pictures so they can best imitate a woman’s natural breasts during the reconstruction process.
Breast expanders were placed by Dr. Babovic following Vicki’s mastectomy, as part of the same surgery. “I wanted to start the reconstruction process right away, even though I was going through chemotherapy and radiation,” remembers Vicki. “Every two weeks, fluid was added to expand the tissue and I did my exercise and stretches,” she says. “It wasn’t a piece of cake, but it gave me something to look forward to during this challenging time.”
OMC's team showed Vicki pictures of what her breasts would look like after the reconstruction process. “It looked quite natural and I felt comfortable with the predicted outcome … and my husband agreed,” says Vicki.
The entire process took about a year from start to finish – from expander placement to tattooing, the final touch. “They color the areola and form nipples so the result is really quite natural-looking,” says Vicki.
Compassionate Care Team
“The nurses and all the staff were so compassionate and friendly,” says Vicki. "After spending a year involved in this delicate and intimate process, I miss seeing everyone there – we became quite close.”
Vicki knows that if she had to face the rest of her life with no breasts, each look in the mirror would be a bitter reminder of what cancer robbed. “These are not my God-given breasts, but they are the next best thing,” says Vicki. “I would recommend this procedure to anyone who loses their breasts.”
Recovery
“There was very little downtime and I missed very little work,” says Vicki, who has Fridays off from her job as a dental office receptionist. “The team always planned my procedures on Fridays for me, so I didn’t miss work and had the weekend to recover.”
Vicki’s strong faith and the prayers of friends and family spurred her along on this incredible journey of healing and self-discovery. “The scars are fading, but the friendships, courage and spirituality I gained along the way remain with me,” she says. “I truly thank the Plastic Surgery team at Olmsted for giving me back what cancer took from me – and doing it in such an endearing manner.”
“I just wanted to feel good about my weight loss and myself; to be able to look in the mirror and be proud of my body.”
Pam takes every National Daycare Provider day off. She’ll visit a few garage sales before her massage appointment, then have a manicure followed by a dinner date with her husband. Before coming to Olmsted Medical Center (OMC)'s plastic surgery department, her schedule didn't look like this.
“Being good to myself and feeling good about who I am makes everything better,” explains Pam. “The attitude you have about yourself reflects on everything you do and on all the people in your life.”
Weight-Loss Journey
When Pam's weight started causing health problems, she got help from providers at OMC and lost 106 pounds. “It wasn’t a diet, it was a journey,” says Pam. “You need to explore why you struggle and behave the way you do and deal with it … then it becomes a sustainable life change.” She credits OMC’s Health Management Resources team with providing the resources and support necessary to achieve her wellness goals.
While Pam felt fabulous for losing weight while eating healthy and exercising, there was a residual effect. “I had all this excess skin,” she says. “I guess older skin doesn’t have the greatest elasticity and despite regular exercising, the skin wasn’t shrinking. And I really felt that if I didn’t lose the skin, my head would tell me to fill it back up!”
One of Pam’s friends mentioned Dr. Babovic and his Plastic Surgery team at Olmsted Medical Center. “It was embarrassing that my daycare kids would play with the skin hanging off my arms,” recalls Pam. “I just wanted to feel good about my weight loss and myself; to be able to look in the mirror and be proud of my body.”
“Dr. B and his staff were wonderful and supportive,” remembers Pam. “They knew how important this decision was to me to have the excess skin removed – therefore, it became important to the entire team.”
Body Contouring to Tighten Skin
Pam had body contouring done on her arms, stomach, and buttocks. “The whole experience was amazing,” recalls Pam. “When I looked at the ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos, I cried because I was so proud.”
“Because of the team’s friendliness, welcoming environment and strong support, I am feeling wonderful about myself and my body,” says Pam.
“People spend money on what they need,” explains Pam. “And they spend money on what’s important to them … I decided I was important enough to put myself in my budget and invest in my well-being and self-esteem.”
Long-Term Results
Today, Pam has changed the approach to her daycare business as well, serving healthier meals and incorporating exercise into the children’s daily schedule. “Because of my experience, my daycare kids are healthier too.”
Pam wants to “pay it forward” and tell people to take care of themselves. “You are definitely worth it and the investment pays great dividends,” she says.
I learned about Dr. Babovic from a friend. I wanted to first see him about my arms. I met with him and Donna and we decided to do liposuction. That went really well. Donna was by my side the entire time. It was a little painful, but the end results were awesome! After that I decided to have liposuction for my love handles. I thought it was going to be really painful. They numbed my sides, and Donna made it really comfortable for me. I got to listen to my own music for the hour-long procedure. It’s those little things that mean a lot. He had me come back to do a touch up because he wanted to make sure it was perfect. He did great follow through and he really stands behind his work.
I've also had other cosmetic things done in the past. Everyone is so friendly and helpful with everything. It makes the whole experience that much better. I’ll definitely continue to come back. I know it’s a little more expensive, but I have a doctor and a great team I can trust to do the best work. Their machines are state-of-the-art and I feel like I get better results here than anywhere else. I also really appreciate that Dr. Babovic and Donna are really honest with me and what needs to be done and what doesn’t. I really appreciate the professional feedback that I receive when I am with them. I have nothing but good things to say about the team.